The Indian judiciary adopted the technique of public interest litigation
for the cause of environmental protection in many cases. The Supreme Court
& High Courts shaded the inhibitions against refusing strangers to present
the petitions on behalf of poor and ignorant individuals. The basic
ideology behind adopting PIL is that access to justice ought not to be
denied to the needy for the lack of knowledge or finances. In PIL a public
spirited individual or organization can maintain petition on behalf of
poor & ignorant individuals.

In the area of environmental protection, PIL has proved to be an effective
tool. In Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra vs. State of U.P. (1) the
Supreme Court prohibited continuance of mining operations terming it to be
adversely affecting the environment.

In Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action vs. Union of India (2),
the Supreme Court cautioned the industries discharging inherently
dangerous Oleum and H acid. The court held that such type of pollution
infringes right to wholesome environment and ultimately right to life.

In another case
M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India (3) the Supreme Court held that air
pollution in Delhi caused by vehicular emissions violates right to life
under Art. 21 and directed all commercial vehicles operating in Delhi to
switch to CNG fuel mode for safeguarding health of the people.

In Church of God (Full Gospel)in India vs.KKR Majestic Colony Welfare
Association (4) the Supreme Court observed that noise pollution
amounts to violation of Art.21 of the Constitution.

In landmark case Vellore Citizens' Welfare Forum vs. Union of India
(5) the Supreme Court allowed standing to a public spirited social
organization for protecting the health of residents of Vellore. In this
case the tanneries situated around river Palar in Vellore (T.N.) were
found discharging toxic chemicals in the river, thereby jeopardising the
health of the residents. The Court asked the tanneries to close their
business.

Conclusion:
In this manner, our judiciary has used the tool of PIL quite effectively
for the cause of environmental protection. But the judiciary has shown
wisdom in denying false petitions seeking to advance private interests
through PIL as evident from the decision of the Supreme Court in
Subhash Kumar vs. State of Bihar (6). Hence, PIL has proved to be a
great weapon in the hands of higher courts for protection of environment &
our judiciary has certainly utilized this weapon of PIL in best possible
manner.